CHICAGO _ Carl Edwards Jr.'s rough 2019 season took another hit Monday when the Cubs optioned the struggling reliever to Triple-A Iowa.
Edwards, who has a 5.87 ERA in 20 appearances, was activated from the injured list Friday, and a lack of command was evident Sunday as he allowed one run on one hit with a walk and a hit batter in only one-third of an inning in a 5-1 loss to the Padres.
The Cubs were counting on Edwards to provide bullpen depth and regain his effectiveness against left-handed hitters, but he threw only nine of 17 pitches for strikes Sunday.
Edwards spent 5{ weeks on the IL recovering from a thoracic strain in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. He was optioned to Iowa 10 days into the season but returned a month later.
The Cubs are expected to announce the transaction before Monday night's game against the Giants. Reliever Rowan Wick, who hasn't allowed a run in 13 consecutive outings for Iowa, is a strong candidate to be promoted. Wick has a 1.80 ERA in 27 games with Iowa.
